AOPLD’s History

Oreana Library History

In 1965, a petition was passed pronouncing Oreana with a tax-based library; it became a bookmobile stop for the Rolling Prairie Library System (RPLS) — now Illinois Heartland Library System. Then in 1968, Oreana became a district library. A Board of Trustees was elected in 1979 for the Oreana District Library. The first permanent location was opened in 1981 after RPLS discontinued bookmobile service. Oreana rented the old post office at 111 W Bower with donations from RPLS, citizens, and aid from the Winings Estate. For four years the library was staffed by volunteers until 1985 when grants were received to pay the staff. The building at 214 South Street was purchased for the new home of the Oreana District Library in 1986, and it opened in 1988. The Oreana District Library consolidated with the Friends Creek Library in 1989 to become the Argenta-Oreana Public Library District. This building became too small for the needs of the town, and a search for a new home for the library began. In June 2000 the Cleveland family donated land for the site of the new library. The Ground Breaking Ceremony was held September 2002 for the new Oreana branch at 100 Route 48 (now 211 South Route 48). The new library opened to the public on August 13, 2003 with the Grand Opening on September 28, 2003.